XTERRA returns to the UK

XTERRA, which is to off-road tri as Ironman is to on-road, has been absent from the UK for a few years but no longer - it's back for 2013 using the Vachery Tri circuit at Cranleigh Surrey. http://www.vacherytriathlon.com/

Sam Gardner is involved in the organisation of this to some degree. I think he designed the off road course last year and raced as well, so I suspect he will be there to give everyone a run for the money.

I'm looking at the middle distance race this year as a good local workout. Closed roads and a couple of times up Leith Hill, what's not to like!

TR - this year was a mix of proper mud - though I'm sure I've seen somewhere that they're taking out the muddiest bit from this year - woodland single track and grassy fields. It was proper fun, even for an off road novice

Trogs - sounds fun indeed. I have an A race 2 weeks later but could do both. Sounds popular though, TT folks are getting interested, says it'll only be ~£65 too. Not too far away from me either although its not a direct route.

not long to this event now (entries are closed if anyone was thinking of a late one)

not sure if anyone else is doing this? I'm in the standard and just been looking at my a/g opposition - a 3X former World XTERRA a/g champ; a Frenchman whe came 5th in Maui last year; and 2 Brits who were 2nd and 3rd at the UK XTri champs last year. and there's only 6 of us ffs......

looks like I'll have my work cut out to get on the podium but you never know - a subtle overtaking shove here or there.......

if any locals are around on the 8th and not at Henley, come along to shout some abuse at me. Petal's one of the race officials